Maximize Your Delta Amex Card: A Guide to Delta Stays Credit

When it comes to travel rewards, many credit cards offer enticing benefits, and the Delta Air Lines and American Express partnership is no exception. One of the most underrated perks available to Delta Amex cardholders is the annual Delta Stays credit. This benefit can significantly offset annual fees and enhance your travel experience, but many cardholders overlook it, often forgetting to utilize it before it expires at the end of the calendar year. Here’s how you can effectively use and maximize the Delta Stays credit.

The Delta Stays credit is an annual statement credit available on select Delta Amex cards for prepaid hotel bookings made through Delta’s hotel platform, which is powered by Expedia. Depending on the specific card you hold, you can receive a credit ranging from $100 to $250 each calendar year. Six out of the seven Delta credit cards offer this benefit, with the only exception being the entry-level Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Here’s a quick breakdown of the annual credit amounts by card:

– Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Up to $250
– Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Up to $200
– Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Up to $100
– Delta SkyMiles® Business Reserve American Express Card: Up to $250
– Delta SkyMiles® Business Platinum American Express Card: Up to $200
– Delta SkyMiles® Business Gold American Express Card: Up to $100

It’s important to keep a few key points in mind when using the Delta Stays credit. If you have elite status with a hotel chain, booking through an online travel agency like Delta Stays may mean you forfeit your elite benefits and loyalty points. Therefore, if you’re planning to stay at a hotel where you hold status, you might not receive the perks you’re used to. As a best practice, consider using the Delta Stays credit for hotel chains where you don’t have elite status or for unique boutique hotels that aren’t part of a larger loyalty program.

Booking a hotel using the Delta Stays credit is straightforward and can be completed in just a few simple steps. After making your reservation and payment through Delta Stays, keep in mind that the credit may take up to 90 days to post to your account. However, in most cases, the credit is applied much sooner—typically within four days.

Utilizing this credit can significantly reduce your travel costs, and with strategic planning, it can even cover the full cost of a night’s stay. Here are a few examples of how some travelers have made the most of this benefit:

Nick Ewen, TPG’s senior editorial director, recently used his Delta Stays credit during a weeklong getaway to Prince Edward Island. With a 9 a.m. flight from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the next day, he opted for a hotel conveniently located just steps from the terminal. The room cost $252, but thanks to the $200 credit on his Delta Reserve card, he only paid $52 out of pocket. This choice not only alleviated the stress of a predawn drive but also maximized the value of his credit.

Gabrielle Bernardini, TPG’s senior points and miles editor, leveraged her credit during a family trip to Italy. After exploring the Dolomites, she needed to catch an early flight from Venice to Sicily. To avoid a long, early morning drive, she booked a stay at an independent hotel just 10 minutes from the airport for $184. After applying her Delta Stays credit from her Delta Gold card, she ended up paying just $84, making her travel day smoother and more affordable.

As for myself, I plan to utilize this year’s credit during an upcoming trip to South Africa. Staying for several weeks, even one night’s coverage can make a difference. I’ve chosen the Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank, which is priced under $100 per night. Since I don’t hold elite status with Hyatt, booking through Delta Stays won’t cost me any perks, and I’ll effectively enjoy a free night by using my Delta Gold credit.

To maximize the value of your annual Delta Stays credit, keep these tips in mind:

1. Plan Ahead: Ensure you use your credit before the end of the calendar year. A little foresight can help you avoid missing out on this valuable benefit.

2. Choose Wisely: Consider booking hotels where you don’t have elite status or boutique accommodations not affiliated with major loyalty programs to fully benefit from the credit.

3. Timing Matters: Allow sufficient time for the credit to post to your account after your booking. While it usually posts quickly, planning for a longer timeline can help avoid any surprises.

The Delta Stays credit is an excellent opportunity to derive real value from your Delta credit card, offering $100 to $250 back each year on prepaid hotel bookings made through the Delta Stays portal. This benefit not only helps offset your card’s annual fee but can also cover an entire night’s stay if used strategically.

In summary, don’t overlook the Delta Stays credit. With a bit of planning and awareness, you can transform this often-missed perk into a significant advantage for your travel budget. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or planning an extended trip, make the most of your Delta Amex card benefits to enhance your travel experiences.